Log feed mechanism



Jan. 28, 1958 T, w, NlHoLsoN 2,821,220

LOG FEED MECHANISM s Sheets-sheet 1 Filed Feb. 1. 3.954A

Jan.. 28, 1958 T. w. NICHOLSON A2,321,220

LOG FEED MECHNISM v Filed Feb. l, 1954 1 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Jan. 28, 1958T. w. NxcHoLsoN LOG FEED MECHANISM 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Feb. l, 1954Jan. 28, 1958 T. w. NICHOLSON Los FEED MECHANISM 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 FiledFeb. 1, 1954 Jan. 28, i958 11W. NICHOLSON 2982L22 LOG FEED MECHANISM 5Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. l. 1954 INVENTOR. 740/1445 n/ AMA/oz 50/V A 7Toen/6W5 United States Patent O LOG FEED MECHANISM Thomas W. Nicholson,Seattle, Wash. Application February 1, 1954, Serial No. 407,362 9Claims. (Cl. 144-249) This invention pertains to mechanisms for feedinglogs to processing machines and is particularly intended to feed logs toa machine for removing bark from them. By such mechanism logs are fedlengthwise and nonrotatively through such a machine.

Machines of various types have been devised for removing mark from logs,but the present log feeding mechanism has particular utility for use inconjunction with a log barking machine of the type which includes arotary ring through which a log is fed for engagement by barking toolscarried by such ring and moved orbitally around the log. Feed mechanismfor use with such a machine must be capable of holding a log againstappreciable lateral displacement, of preventing rotative movement of thelog and of effecting uniform progressive lengthwise movement of the logthrough the barking machine, and it is a principal object of the presentinvention to provide mechanism having these attributes.

A further important object of the invention is to provide such mechanismwhich will be equally effective for feeding large logs and small logsand which can be adjusted readily for accommodating logs of differentsizes.

Especially is it an object of such mechanism to be able to hold a logfirmly against rotation about its axis by the use of apparatus of simpleconstruction and which will afford minimum resistance to longitudinalmovement of the log and hence will feed the log elciently.

Great force is exerted on a log in removing the bark from it by the useof such a machine, and consequently such feed mechanism must be ruggedto withstand the abuse to which it will be subjected during the barkingof large and heavy logs. Also, it is important that such mechanism bedesigned to resist wear resulting from its use and for this reason it isdesirable to have as little relative movement as possible between thesurface of a log and the parts of the feed mechanism with which it comesinto contact.

In accomplishing these objects the log feed mechanism incorporatespositively moving log carrier means in the form of chains or live rolls,for example, in combination with upper adjustable hold-down devices suchas a plurality of rotary ribbed heads which engage a log atcircumferentially spaced locations. Both the carrier or transport meansand the rotary hold-down heads grip the log in a manner to resist itsrotative movement while producing little or no appreciable resistance tolengthwise movement of the log. A more effective feed is obtained bygripping the log at opposite sides of the barking mechansm so that thelog is both pushed and pulled through the barking machine while heldfirmly in the manner described at both sides of the barking mechanism.

Additional objects and advantages of the log feed mechanism will bediscussed n the following specific description of representative typesof such mechanism shown in the drawings.

Figure 1 is a plan view of a preferred type of log feeding mechanismincorporating a chain type carrier, and

ZZLZ Patented Jan. 28, 1958 Figure 2 is a vertical sectional viewthrough such mechanism taken on line 2 2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary top perspective view of a portion of suchmechanism.

Figure 4 is a plan view of a different type of such mechanismincorporating a chain-driven flight type of carrier and utilizingdifferent hold-down devices.

Figure 5 is an enlarged transverse sectional view through the mechanismtaken on lines 5 5 of Figures 4 and 6. Figure 6 is a fragmentarylongitudinal vertical section through the carrier along lines 6 6 ofFigure 5.

Figure 7 is a plan view and Figure 8 is a side elevational view of stilla further type of log feeding mechanism incorporating a live rollcarrier and hold-down devices like those in the form of Figure 4. Figure9 is an elevation view of the apparatus showing the hold-down devicetaken on line 9 9 of Figure 7, and Figure 10 is a top perspective viewof the hold-down device illustrating the manner in which it engages alog. Figure 1l is a side elevation view of one type of live roll used inthe carrier of such mechanism with parts broken away, and Figure l2 is atransverse sectional view through such a roll on line 12 12 of Figure11. Figure 13 is a side view of a different form of live roll which maybe used in the carrier of such mechanism, section through such rollalong line 14-14 of Figure 13.

Figure 15 is a transverse section showing another form of device; Figure16 is an enlarged section on line 16-16 of Figure 15.

As has been stated, the log feeding mechanism of the present inventionfinds its greatest utility in feeding logs lengthwise and nonrotativelythrough a log barking machine of the rotary ring type. Such a barker isillustrated representatively in Figures l, 2, 47 and 8 as incorporatinga rotary ring 1 which is mounted rotatively in a supporting ring 10.This latter ring is mounted in a frame 11 which is guided for verticalmovement in ways 12 as shown in Figure 2. This frame can be adjustedvertically by operation of a iluid cylinder 13 moving the framesupporting rods 14 vertically to dispose the center of the rings 1 and10 coaxial with a log carried by the log feeding mechanism. The barkingring 1 is rotated to perform the barking operation by the chain 15 whichis driven by the electric motor 16. The ways 12, cylinder 13 and motor16 are all supported on suitable framework 17.

Figures 1. 2 and 3 show the preferred type of holddown mechanism. Inthis instance the log L shown in Figure 2 rests directly on and iscradled between two chains 2 extending in spaced parallel relationshipaxially of the barking machine ring, and hence lengthwise of thedirection in which the log is to be moved through such ring. Preferablythese chains are spaced apart a distance approximately equal to theradius of a log of medium size from which the bark will be removed bythe barking machine. When carrying even the smallest log to be fedthrough the barking machine, therefore, the lowest portion of the logwill not extend much below the chains, so that the weight of the logwill not exert a great force tending to wedge the chains apart. At thesame time, the spacing between the chains will be Sucient so that whenthe largest log to be processed is resting on them such log will beengaged at locations spaced apart enough to afford adequately stablesupport to the log to avoid any appreciable chance of the log rollingolf the chains when held down properly.

The entire weight of the log will rest on the chains 2 of the logcarrier section on the feed side of the barking machine as the log isbeing moved into it, and the log will be supported jointly by suchchains and by the chains 2 of the carrier section at the discharge sideof the log and Figure 14 is a transversel "iasanaao barking machineasthe log progresses through it. Since thelog is thus carried bodilybythe chains engaging the log over a great longitudinal extent, thefrictional engagement between thelog and chains produces a greatresistance to'movement 'of such chains `relative to vrthe log.Consequently, there is little danger of 4thecha'in's slipping along thelog instead'of moving vthe log positively inV synchronism withthelchains, because 's'uch s'lippagecouldioccur only if 'the log were'subjected to avery great force opposing its lengthwise movement. Thischaintypefoflog carrienthereforefeedsthe lo'g through the barkingmachinevery reliably'at apredctermined-constantrate'of speed. y

The chains 2 and 2 are supported 'in parall'elchannels on i'plates`beneath Vvthem Vand 'extend `v`between "spockets carried by crossshafts -as show uinFi'gs. 1, 2 'and 3. VEach crlss :shaft 'carries twosprockets, on'e"for"ea`ch chain, and4 the ytwo""sprockets on Yeach"shaftjar'e "interconnected and dnitely"`spaced by aheavy hollow"'axlethrough which "the cross shaft extends. The fcorre'spndingspfeckets at one end 'of chains A2 are rotated positively bythe'shafticarrying them,'whichis turned bycha`in 22 driven vhy themotor'723, Ias 'shown nlFigure 1. 'Chains 2 willferitendaxiallyof thebarking ring `for iaisubstantial distanceadpreferablyover nearly the''full lengthf of a log ifL average lergth'frorn 'which thev bark' 'isVto" be removed bythe barking'r'nachine. Chains of such'length willinsne-'that they 'exertv aliirm, vreliablefeedng"grip on"'a`lg`l'tol5ebarked. The chains'Z' atthedischarge side fof-the barking'machineneednotbe s'long 'as'fthe chains'ratth'e feed'side 'of the machine,andtheylare supportedfand Vdriven generally in the'saine manner. i

Beyond the discharge ends of chains 2' live'rolls'24 may beprofvided'tocar'rythe brked ylogaway fromthe barking machine. Theserolls may ybe driven byinterconnecting -chains- 25 and a' chainY 26 mayconnect'the shafto'f 'rollv24"closest to chains "2 "and the 'adjacentsprocket-shaft 27- of' such chains. fBylsuch interconnection thechinsZ'fand-r'olls 24will' all be drivenat the same speed and at aspeedsynchronized with the speed'of the feedchains 2. Suitablelsupporting structure will, of course, be provided 4for the chainsprocket shaftsand .the roll shafts, as indicated'in'the drawings.

The chains 2 and 2" will deter-movement'of thelo'g` in a generally"horizontal direction transversely VAof'the chains,`fbut the weight ofthelog lmay not be sufiicient to insure thatit will'befheld ldown in frmengagement with the'chains under stresses exerted on Vit by the hai-kingoperation.- -Consequently,a plurality'of'rotary'hold-down (50 devicesare arranged above the chains 2 and 2' toengage thefnpper'portion `ofalog. P-referably'these rotary hold-down devices 3f are-'rotary headsarranged'in pairs, one' fate each` side 1 of-` a 1vertical A planeextending e lengthwise and centrallyof--thelog carrier. Thev rotaryheads of each pair should be spacedeapart a substantialdistance sothat'they' will engagelspced-locations on the upper surface vof the log.

Each' rotary head 31is journaled on the end of an arm, which-maybe alever arm 30 fswingableeabout a supporting'v pivot 31. Y1Irn'the rotaryhold-down head arrangement shoWnfinfFigures -1, Zand-3, swinging ofithelever 30 is enec'tedfby afluid piston IVand* cylinder device 32,'one end:of `whichf-is connectedby pivot'33 to the arm ,30 at va locationbetween -theilhold-down head'3 and the ar-m` pivot 31. The other end ofthe piston kand cylinder deiliceV is connected -bya pivot V34 to astationaryreaction bracketuon theframework 255,- which supports theholddown mechanism. Contraction of theffluid piston and cylinder 'device'will therefore swing; thearm downward about Apivot 31 'to' press the*hold-down head' 'iirmly against'alo'g while'eirtension 'movement of"such device will--swi-ng'the lihold-fcl`o`wn"`head'awayfrom the log'tovhold-down heads "may,

4 Any number of pairs of such lever-mounted rotary of "course, beprovided,`but Vit has been found that two pairs of such heads adjacentto the infeed side of the barking machine and two pairs of such headsadjacent to the discharge side of the barking machine, as shown inFigure 1, are adequate to hold a log rmly in contact with the chains 2and 2. For usual control the `pistonfand cylinder devices 32 for the twolevers .of --each .pair :of `such hold-down heads may be connectedtogether, but each individual device shouldalso-beioperable-separatelytocnable a log to be-shifted laterally bypressureof yone `device. .Both hold-down heads of any pair can 'thus bemoved upward or downward simultaneously .'and'independently of suchmovement of any other pair of heads, or any one holddown device can bemoved separately at will. Also because fluid-actuated devices areemployed, such as air cylinders, each hold-down headymay-iexertsubstantially-the same forceonv la log irrespective-.of theswung .position ofv the 'hld-down lhead supporting `arm :30within'trather wide-limits.

By'the use of rotary hold-downdevicesl adequate-pressure may beexertedonalog-withoutcreating appreciable resistance'to movement of the-log.lengthwise effected by the'logc'arrie'r such as chains'2.-and.`2l'. It.is important, howevenwhen such feed mechanism ;is;usedtoffeed logs to"a `rotar'y "ringibarker, fforthev feed mechanismv to restrainrotation'fthe log. "Botht'helog carrier `and thehold-down'devicesfcontribnteto'this action. The chains engageithelogondongitudinal.elements and themselves produce "-considerahlelresistance `to rotation of -the log whenitfis' pressed va'gainstfthem'by the hold-down devices. The"holdldown"devices alsoare formed togrip theflog firmly for'preventin'g its rotation. A friction wheelsurface,-such`as' aruhber'tire, can be used.

Particularly in FiguresZand 3 a'rotary hold-down devicefheadsshown asincorporatngsseveral spaced annularfribscooperatively/conforminggenerallyto the arcuate contour-*f thelog-spei'iphery ln'thisgparticlarinstancethefrotary headfofsnehhold-down de'vice may befasingle in'fhelhaving-a ylgrooved peripheryforming tl'iese'ribsV or `snchrbsrnayA beformed byfthefperipheries of parallel; coaxial-disksf '36 ofdiierentdiameters' which are independently Ajol-lrnaled on fthe yshaft carriedby' arrn 30. Such rotaryhold-'downhead disks are'siciently thick -soIthattheylwill f'not'fyield'appreciably under`later`alpressureexertcdfc'n them-by'ftendency ofthe log to rotate,

withzconeentrated pressure. The vribs 'spacedaxially'of the: rotary`h'eadimprove the' contact :between such" head displacementiofi'thelog`traftnsversely off-its length. Such log-'movementiresistingiloontact@is'improved-for' logs of4 diterentssize: bysha-pingzltheribbed-rotary-heads tapered rotatedbycontactvwitha log,barlcdebris'willlberemoved l from the v spaces hetweennthe disks.

ln v:operation y-off-theI feed mechanismsshown Jin Figures l, 2 and3-al0gwill-becarried to the "chainsvl'and movementofnthcse-c-hains will'draw `theilog progressively farther onto-them. :Beforeltheaendofthelogireaches 32' will be extended to ra-ise'therotary hold-downfheads 3of such pair.and-perhaps-ofthe other pairsifl'the log Vaheadhasclearedf-thebarkingring.v Aslt-he-'endfbf Ythe log passes beyond`each `pair -aof f'hold-.down lvdevices, i:the heads of each -pairinturnwill ybe loweredtintofengagement wi'ththellogaandfpres-surewillbefrri'aintainedwinathe:

cylinders .of the luidwactuators -to exertcontinuouspositive hold-downpressure on the log until:itsfrrailingiendnhas movedbeyond-the barking`ring.

gflhe operation -of r:theVIA log greed r mechanismV :shown in A Figures4, and 6 is similar to that described above. In this instance, however,instead of the log resting directly on carrier chains, the chains 4 donot support any of the weight of the log. Instead, such claims merelyconstitute interconnecting members to space and drive log supportinggenerally planar, plate-shaped ights 40. The upper edges of theseflights are of generally V shape and have projections or teeth arrangedat intervals along the length of such upper edge to effect a secure gripon the log. The chains are connected to projections 41, respectively,extending downward adjacent to opposite ends of the flight. Lengthwisemovement of the chains 4 will, of course, be coordinated, and byconnecting such chains in spaced relationship to the ights such flightswill be held in positions with their planes perpendcular to the chainsas they travel around the sprockets at the opposite ends of the chainloop.

The supporting mechanism for the ilights 40 includes posts 42 whichsupport I-beam rails 43 extending parallel to the direction of movementof the chains. Wear strips or tracks 44 are mounted along the upperanges of the rails 43 on which the overhanging opposite ends of theflight 40 rest, respectively. Each end of each flight is provided with ashoe 45 ransversely of the flight plane to provide a sliding surface ofsuflicient extent in the direction of flight movement to prevent tiltingof the ight under the inuence of the force couple resulting from thepull of the chains 4 below the frictional resistance occasioned bycontact of the shoes with the wear strips 44.

In this form of log feed mechanism the hold-down devices are somewhatdifferent from those previously described, and these are shown best inFigures 4, 9 and 10. In this instance the lever arms 5 are mounted onpivots located generally centrally between their ends. The adjacent endsof each pair of lever arms carry rotary hold-down heads 51 rotatable onaxles extending lengthwise generally in continuation of the leverportions carrying such rotary heads. The lever portions at the othersides of the pivots respectively are disposed at an angle to the rotaryhead carrying portions of the lever arms, so that such rotary headcarrying portions are generally upright while the portions of the leverarms to which the control force is applied extend generallyhorizontally.

To the swinging ends of the generally horizonal lever portions arepivotally connected piston and cylinder fluid actuators 52, which aresupported from the mounting structure 53 by pivots 54. When theactuators are contracted, therefore, the rotary head carrying leverportions will be swung away from each other to retract the hold-downheads 51. Conversely, extension of the actuators will swing the leversto move the hold-down heads inward into contact with a log L. In Figurel0 the holddown levers are illustrated in retracted positions in fulllines and in holding positions in broken lines. When in such holdingposition, uid under pressure will be impressed upon the fluid-actuateddevices so that the force of the rotary hold-down heads will bemaintained against the log.

By journaling such rotary heads on axles extending generally inprolongation of the lever portions, the axis of rotation of eachhold-down head will extend generally parallel to a tangent to the log atthe location of holddown head contact with it, as illustrated in Figure9, and the rotary heads of each pair of hold-down devices will engagethe log at spaced locations. While, as previously discussed, the rotaryhold-down heads may be composed of a plurality of independentlyjournaled disks, a reasonably satisfactory grip of the peripheries ofthe hold-down heads on the log opposing its rotation about itslongitudinal axis may be afforded by spaced annular ribs 55 formed bygrooving the peripheries of the rotary heads 51. Preferably these ribstaper to a reasonably sharp edge and the intervening groove may beV-shaped in cross section, as shown best in Figure 9.

of considerable extent- The log barking machine with which'the feedmechanism shown in Figures 4, 5 and 6 may be used, as illustrated inFigures 4 and 9, is the same as that described in connection with thelog feed mechanism of Figures 1, 2 and 3, and consequently, no furtherdescription of such mechanisms at this point is necessary. The ring 1carrying the barking tools may be adjusted by actuation of the cylinder13 to center the ring with logs of various size, and the sequence offeeding the log, engaging it successively with the hold-down devices andreleasing the holddown devices from the log will be the same asdescribed already.

In Figures 7 and 8 log feed mechanism is illustrated which utilizes thesame type of hold-down devices described in conjunction with Figures 4,9 and 10, and again may be used with a rotary ring barking machine, asalready described. This feed mechanism, however, diifers in the logcarrying apparatus. Here the log carrier includes a set of infeed rollsand charge rolls, which are shown somewhat diagrammatically in Figures 7and 8. The infeed rolls set a series of idler rolls 6 at locationsremote from the barking machine, and a series of powered rolls 60 closeto the barking machine. Such powered rolls may be interconnected bydrive chains 61 which are driven by the motor 62. through chains 63. Anyconvenient number of idler and powered rolls may be used.

Similarly, on the discharge side of the barking machine a series ofpowered rolls 64 is located adjacent to the barking machine, which areinterconnected by chains 65 and driven by motor 66 through chain 67.Beyond the rolls 64 in the direction of log movement are idler rolls 68on which the log will be supported when discharged from the live rolls64. From these idler rolls a log may be lifted by swinging arms 7, whichare carried by a shaft 70 oscillatable by a uid cylinder actuator 71. Byswinging the arms upward logs may be pushed from the rolls 68 whereuponthey will roll down the arms 7 onto ways 72 for further processing.

The shape of typical rolls which may be used as the live rolls can vary,but representative shapes are illustrated in Figures 11 to 14. Again, inorder to prevent the log from being turned about its longitudinal axis,the log lcarrier and the hold-downs should cooperate to grip theperiphery of the log firmly. Preferably a live roll is located under therotary heads of each hold-down device, and such rolls may have theconfiguration shown in Figures ll and l2, being made of twofrusto-conical sections 8. Each section has on its periphery annularridges which have notches 81 at intervals to increase the tractive elortlongitudinally of the log. The sharpened annular ridges, like the ridges55 of the hold-down wheels 51, will dig into the log periphery to resistrotation of the log. The two conical roll segments are mounted withtheir smaller ends in abutment on a shaft 82.

Carrier rolls which are not located directly under holddown heads wouldnot be particularly effective in resisting rotation of a log. It isdesirable, however, that they produce maximum tractive force to feed thelog endwise. For such rolls, therefore, the configuration shown inFigures 13 and 14 may be employed. Again, these rolls preferably arecomposed of two frusto-conical sections 83 mounted with their smallerends in abutment on a shaft 84. Traction ribs S5 are formed on each ofthese sections extending longitudinally of them. The idler rolls, ofcourse, merely support the log, and consequently need not have any ribs.

Since the hold-down devices and their operation have been discussedpreviously, it will be evident how they are manipulated during feedingof a log -by the roll type carrier described, so that no furtherdescription of this embodirnent of the log feed apparatus is necessary.

In Figures 15 and 16 an alternative type of supporting structure forrotary hold-down heads is illustrated, which,

a set of dismay include ofl-eoursef'maybe-n'tilized 'with any yof-thelog carrier-arrangementsdis'cussedabove. In this instance the rotaryhold-down -lheadsare shown-as Vineorp orating several; annularribs'taperedin the 'group yaway from "the supporting arms 9,likethoseioffFigures l,2:-an1d"3. These rotary heads-arejournaledon'aXl'es extending substantially 'parallelto-tangents tothe legi-at'the locations of rotaryy head contactf'with the logs' r`as in theYIMhold-'down 'devices' `previously described. Thisfhold-down mechanism`dillers, however,-intthe-rnanner `in-which the axles are supported.Only one' pairf'f: hold-down "devices is illustrated" in Figure 15 butit will -be understood that any number of pairs may I'bei utilized,larran'ged-fle'ngthwise of the "loge-carrier comparable to theffarrangementof "hold-down. devices shownin Figures 1,' Atranci-57;foreexample.

r-'I`helog-carrier with which thelholddown'devices cooperateincorporates flights 40"` generallyv comparable to theights G4015itheflogicarriermechansm shown in Figures 4,?eandf6jbuthaving assinglecentrall projection 41' located` centrally of the llights lower edge towhich a singledi-ve 'chain`4 is'secured. "Shoes45j on the lowercornersof''theflights"40"ride"onsupporting tracks such astheangle-members"44. The chain't`4' will, of course, be of -theendlesstype andwllbe'attached to log supporting ightsilwatintervals suitabletoenable such flights tosupportffa log f' properly 'in a positioncentrally between the hold-down supports.

' The rotary hold-downN` heads 'S"y are mounted on axles carried by 'iarms v49, which -'arms are mounted on wheeled carriages j90. Such4carriages maybe of generally re'ctangular shape-and have'awheel`jpournaledateach corner to rotateab'outan axis transverselyofjtlierotative'a'xe'sof hold-down Aheads'l'rarldextending)generallyparallel to a log Lon the ylog carrier. As shownin'Figure 1'6, vthe wheelsl on'opposite sides "of the carriages 90-"are.received infarcu-ate channel tracks`91. lnFigure l5 thetra'cks onthe'nearside of the view have'been'broken awaytoreveal the carriagestructure. These 'tiacks are supported by suitable posts 92 supported onbeams'93.

The curvature ofthe 'tracks 91 and their angularity relative to rbeams93 will tbe -such that tracks on the opposite sides of-the `log carrierconverge downward. Asthe carriages 90 are moved upward'along suchtracks, therefore, the spacing of the -rotaryhold-down.heads 3 willincrease lat a rate progressivelygreater for equal incremental movementsof the carriages. The spacing of.the'.tracks at opposite sides of thelog carrier adjacent to theirlower vends -willbe sutliciently great toaccommodate betweenlthe tracks a logof 4-the'wrnairimurn size desired tobe processed by 'the log barking-machine. A medium sized logisillustrated as being engagedby the hold-downheads inFigure l5 andVbrokenclines indicate a-smaller logand va log 4of substantially the'maximum size lwhich couldY be handled by the mechanism. The positionswhich the hold-down devices would -occupy along lrails `91fforengagingthe 'largest log indicated are illustrated in ybroken lines.

Movementof the carriages '90 yalong the tracks 91 is effected by uidpiston and-'cylinder actuators 94 which are lpivotally connectedtoprojections `95 extending from the carriage opposite the extension ofhead supporting arms 9. The opposite'ends of such actuators arevpivotally -supported bypivots .96 carried by suitable stationaryreactionstructure mounted on beams y93. As in the previous types ofhold-down devices discussed, these actuators may be controlled jointlyto move the holddown heads upward or downward simultaneously alongtracks 91.A

The log feed mechanism incorporating the hold-down devices shown inFigures l5l and 16 can be operated in a manner similar Vto the Aotherforms of Aapparatus discussed above.

I claim asmy invention:

l. [Log vfeed mechanism comprising carrier means mon "axis/extendingtransversely of v`the direction 4of movement Yof said Ycarrier means,and' means connected to each olf-said `lever arms between its pivotandits disks and operable to exert Va `force 'on said lever arms in adirection to` move said diskstoward said carrier means and pressthe'edges of said disks against upper portions of a 'log on said'carrier meansewhichV are spaced transversely of the log 'to'deterrotatiton of the log and to press the log downward against said carriermeans.

2."Mechanism comprising carrier means operable to support and to advancea log longitudinally and including chain'ftr'a'nsport means advancingwith the log and operablewhen a log is pressed thereagainst ltoY resistrotation of a log about its axis, andanti-rotation holddown. meansincluding two lever arms disposed -one at each side of .said carriermeans, apivot supporting one end of ea'ch ofsaid lever 'arrns'remotefrom said carrier means, a head including several rotative yaxiallyspaced annular 'log-engaging ribs 'mounted -on the swinging other end ofeach of said lever arms and rotativefabo'ut an axis extendingtransversely of'thedirection of movement of said carrier means, andfluid .pressure operated means connected'to each of said lever-armsbetween its pivot and 'its head and operable toexert a force on saidlever arms in a'direction to move said heads toward said carrier meansand presssaid ribs against upper portions of a log on 'saidcarrier-means which are spaced transversely of the log to'deter rotationof the log and to press the-log downward against said. carrier means.

3. Log feed mechanism comprising carrier means operable ito support andto advance a log longitudinally, and anti-rotation hold-down meansincluding two lever arms disposed one at Veach side of said carriermeans directly opposite transversely of the direction of movement ofsuch means, two pivot means disposed substantially level with'saidcarrier means at opposite sides of said carrier means, each pivot meansdelining an axis extending substantially parallel to the direction oflog advance effected by said carrier means and supporting one of saidlever arms inclined upwardly toward said carrier means for swingingrelative thereto, arotary head incorporating several rotativeaxially-spacedannular log-engaginglribs carried-by the-swinging endofeach of said lever arms and rotativel about the same'aXis extendingtransversely of-'the direction of advance of the log, rand 'meansoperable to swing `said lever arms to move said heads toward saidcarrier,meansintopositions engaging the upper portion of ailoig on,saidecarrier means which are spacedtransverselyof the log an'd locatedat opposite'sides of the vertic'al-diametralplane vof the log forrestraining rotation ofthelog.

4. Log feed mechanisnrcomprising carrier Ameans operable to support'andto advance a Vlog longitudinally and including chain transport meansadvancing with the log andoperable when-alog is pressed thereagainst toresist rotation 'of .'suchalog 1aboutits axis, and anti-rotationhold-down:'means'fincluding two anns disposed one at each 'side of saidcarrier means, a head including several rotativeairially'spac'edannularlog-engaging ribs mounted oneacl1 of saidarmsand rotativeabout'the same axis extending-transversely `of-the direction of movement'of said carrier meansymea'ns Ysupporting said arms for movement to movesaidheads .toward and away Ifrom said l carrier means, and meansconnected to each of said arms and exerting a force thereon in adirection to move said heads toward said carrier means and press saidribs against upper portions of a log on said carrier means which arespaced transversely of the log to deter rotation of the log and to pressthe log downward against said carrier means.

5. Log feed mechanism comprising carrier means operable to support andto advance a log longitudinally and operable when a log is pressedthereagainst to resist rotation of a log about its axis, andanti-rotation hold-down means including two heads spaced transversely ofthe log and located at opposite sides of the vertical diametral plane ofthe log, each head including several rotative axially spaced annularlog-engaging ribs rotative about the same 'axis extending transverselyof the direction of movement of said carrier means, means supportingsaid heads for movement toward and away from said carrier means, andmeans connected to said supporting means and exerting a force thereon ina direction to move said heads toward said carrier means and press saidribs against upper portions of a log on said carrier means which arespaced transversely of the log to deter rotation of the log and to pressthe log downward against said carrier means.

6. The log feed mechanism defined in claim 5, in which the meanssupporting the heads for movement toward and away from the carrier meansincludes two tracks disposed one at each side of the carrier means ingenerally upright position but convergent downwardly, and carriagesguided for movement along said tracks, respectively, on which the headsare mounted, and the means connected to the supporting means andexerting a force thereon in a direction to move the heads toward thecarrier means includes means operable to move said carriages toward thecarrier means.

7. The log feed mechanism defined in claim 5, in which the carrier meansincludes log-supporting gripping plate ight means disposed in an uprightplane and having loggripping projections on its upper edge operable whena log is pressed thereagainst to resist rotation of the log about itsaxis.

8. 'I'he log feed mechanism defined in claim 5, in which the cartiermeans includes endless chain means, a plurality of log-supportingmembers spaced lengthwise of said chain means and secured thereto atintervals, respectively, for movement thereby, 'and two rails parallelto each other and to the length of said chain means, spaced fartherapart than the width of said chain means and disposed with said chainmeans therebetween, said rails being engageable by said log-supportingmembers to support the log-supporting members by said rails.

9. The log feed mechanism defined in claim 5, in which the carrier meansincludes a chain movable lengthwise of the direction of log advance, aplurality of spaced logsupporting gripping flights secured to said chainat intervals, respectively, and operable to support a log thereon and toresist rotation of the log about its axis when pressed thereagainst, andspaced rails disposed transversely of said ights and engageable by saidights to support the same, said ights having means projecting downwardlytherefrom and engaging said rails to limit shifting of said ightstransversely of said rails.

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